COVID- 1 9

Recovery
Guidance Plan

from the University

of North Alabama
JUNE 2020

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 3
Guiding Principles. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 4
Reporting Mechanisms and Procedures .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 5
Calendar Plan of Action.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 7
Fall 2020 Campus Operational Norms.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 8
Academics and Course Delivery.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 13
Student Experience and Engagement.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 16
Athletics .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 18

2

 INTRODUCTION
The University realizes the importance of serving students while creating and maintaining a safe environment
for our UNA community. The COVID-19 Recovery Task Force (CRTF) was established on April 28, 2020, and
endorsed by the Shared Governance Executive Committee. The task force was charged to do the following:
•  Evaluate what actions are needed to resume academic, residential, student support services, and other
campus programs in face-to-face format within the limits of the Alabama Department of Public Health
(ADPH), Center for Disease Control (CDC), and other federal and state guidelines and best health
practices;
•  Advise the President on necessary action steps; and
•  Ensure that other officials and shared governance leaders are informed of key findings and recommendations.
The task force was comprised of the following representatives:

 

Member Name 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Dr. Kimberly Greenway, CHAIR 
Ms. Bliss Adkison 
Dr. Eric Becraft  
Dr. Wayne Bergeron  
Dr. Joy Borah  
Ms. Susan Breer 
Ms. Sheena Burgreen 
Ms. Cindy Conlon 
Ms. Teresa Dawson 
Ms. Michelle Eubanks 
Ms. Amber Fite-Morgan 
Mr. Kevin Hudson 
Mr. Ethan Humphres 
Mr. Les Jackson  
Dr. Tammy Jacques  
Ms. Shauna James  
Mr. Bret Jennings  
Dr. Lauren Killen  
Dr. Tera Kirkman 
Dr. Keith Malone 
Mr. Ron Patterson 
Mr. Josh Penny 
Ms. Jennifer Sutton  
Ms. Julie Taylor 
Ms. Catherine White 
Ms. Melissa Williams 
Dr. Chunsheng Zhang 
Ms. Angela Zwissler 

Office, Academic Department, or Division
Student Affairs
Academic Affairs
Biology
Geography
Academic Affairs
Chartwells Campus Food Service
University Health Services
Business and Financial Affairs
Health and Well-Being
University Communications and Marketing
General Counsel
Facilities Administration and Planning
Information Technology Services
University Police
Student Affairs
Student Financial Aid
Student Affairs Auxiliary Services
Kinesiology
Nursing and Health Professions
Economics
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Athletics
Housing and Residence Life
Admissions
Human Resources
Business and Financial Affairs
International Affairs
Facilities Administration and Planning

3

 GUIDING PRINCIPLES
This guidance document has been produced
because the safety of students, faculty, and
staff on UNA’s campus is paramount.
Campus operations and recommendations are directed by
federal and state guidelines and best health practices:
CDC Guidance for Colleges and Universities; CDC
Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces,
Workplaces, Businesses Schools and Homes; Alabama
Department of Public Health; OSHA Guidance on
Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
Academic quality and integrity must be preserved. As
faculty plan for and change delivery modes, course content,
and pedagogy, UNA remains committed to supporting
faculty with necessary resources, to the fullest extent
possible.
While in-person activities in fall 2020 (and possibly
beyond) may be different than previous years, UNA
recognizes the importance of student interactions with each
other and other members of the UNA community and will
make every attempt to facilitate engagement that enriches
the experience of our students while best protecting the
health of the entire Lion family.
Prompt and clear communication with faculty, staff, and
students regarding changes that substantially affect the
campus communities is critical. As the situation continues
to evolve and additional strategies or considerations are
developed, ongoing and frequent communication remains a
priority.
While the initial recommendations put forth by the
COVID-19 Recovery Task Force were made using the
best-available guidance and data, the nature of this
public health crisis will require ongoing evaluation and
adjustments. Additionally, while the COVID-19 Recovery
Guidance Plan is presented to address a return to inperson instruction and activities for the fall 2020 semester,
modified practices and instructional strategies may
necessarily continue into the spring 2021 term or beyond.

4

 REPORTING MECHANISMS
AND PROCEDURES
UNA remains in contact with the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Plans are in place to address the need for
isolation areas, food distribution, and other possible student needs.
Effective response to a communicable disease requires early reporting, rapid assessment, and implementation
of quarantine measures as directed by qualified health officials. UNA has implemented a dedicated reporting
and support system to facilitate this process. The contact telephone number, 256-765-5000, is answered by
designated, qualified staff between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
A standardized reporting process assures that appropriate information is requested and gathered. All data
gathered will be confidential per the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of
1996 (HIPAA).

5

 CASE MANAGEMENT AND
CONTACT TRACING
UNA is engaged with the Alabama Department of Public Health and other health partners to facilitate
contact tracing. All contacts received by the University that indicate a potential exposure to COVID-19
will be immediately referred to University Health Services for direction and case management. Immediate
actions to isolate individuals will be implemented. UNA has designated on-campus isolation areas
for persons residing in Housing and Residence Life residence halls or apartments who do not have
accommodations elsewhere. UNA will provide transportation for students with COVID-19 or suspected
COVID-19 who require assistance to a healthcare facility. Those residing off campus will be referred to
public health.

Student informs a UNA employee that the student has COVID-19
•  Employee should tell student to contact Health Services at 256-765-4328.
•  Employee should inform Health Services that the student shared the information by calling 256765-4328 or emailing healthservices@una.edu.

Positive COVID-19 case
•  UNA follows the ADPH and CDC guidance in positive case response.
•  Only individuals who were in contact with a person who had a positive result for more than 15
minutes and at less than 6-feet distance would be at risk.
•  If an employee or student were reported as having been in contact with a positive case, the
employee or student would be notified and asked to isolate for 14 days from point of contact.
•  If an employee or student tests positive for COVID-19, the individual will need to remain at
home and contact Health Services at 256-765-4328 to report the result. The individual will
need to contact Health Services for clearance before returning to campus.
•  If a student lives on campus and has no home to return to, UNA has protocols in place to isolate
the student in a separate location to mitigate community spread.
•  If an employee or student has not been contacted, their risk is minimal.
•  Cloth face coverings and/or mask are required when 6-feet physical distancing is not
maintainable.

6

 CALENDAR PLAN OF ACTION
Date

Action

May Facilities Administration and Planning prepares
for employees to return to UNA
*Note: I-Service Desk is only accessible on campus.

Notes/Key Considerations
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• 

May/June/July Faculty and staff transition back to campus.*
*If an employee is unable to return to the workplace for
any of the FFCRA-protected reasons listed below, he
or she may be eligible for FFCRA leave. To submit an
FFCRA Leave Request Form, please click here and follow
the two-step process.
June Evaluate physical distancing plans of actions
for classroom spaces so faculty may determine
which modality they want to execute.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
July Depending on state and federal guidance,
a limited number of students may return
to campus (as approved by the appropriate
divisional leader) for specific academic functions • 
or athletic training.
• 

Flush water supply systems and sanitize buildings.
Evaluate heating, ventilation, and air conditional
(HVAC) systems.
Inspect building accessibility and lighting fixtures.
Hand sanitizer and face coverings provided to
employees.
Campus only open from sunrise to sundown.
Inspect and alert Facilities via I-Service Desk* with any
items not addressed in preparation of physical campus
or any discovered health and safety issue.
Alabama’s State Orders issued by the Governor
COVID-19 Self-Screening Assessment for employees
working on campus
COVID-19 safety educational signage created by
University Communications and Marketing.
Hand sanitizer and face coverings for employees.
Cancellation of all on-campus and/or Universitysponsored camps for June and July 2020.
Faculty survey facilitated by CRTF team.

Specific requests for students’ return to campus
related to Housing should be directed to Housing and
Residence Life.
Limited number of athletes will arrive on campus
July 6.
Mane Market will continue providing services to
support students living in the residence hall for summer
housing.

July 31 Hybridized Commencement
August Housing move-in will resume with a staggered
plan of action.
August 1 Hybridized Commencement
August 19 Fall 2020 classes begin.
September 7 UNA closed for Labor Day.
October 2-4 UNA closed for Fall Break.
November 25-29 UNA closed for Thanksgiving holidays.
November 30 UNA will resume classes via remote learning.
No face-to-face instruction for the remainder of
the semester.
The academic term will remain in place as
scheduled; however, faculty have the flexibility
to schedule content, assignments, and exams
to coincide with the virtual format after the
Thanksgiving holiday (e.g., scheduling exams
and assignments before Thanksgiving, if
needed).
December 4-9 Semester examinations.

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• 
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• 

• 

University Housing will remain open to serve the
students that elect to remain on campus.
Contracted food services will be tailored to
accommodate needs as they are known.
Faculty, staff, and student support services will maintain
business as usual.
The University will monitor conditions and announce
a plan for Winter Commencement by October 31, 2020.

Exams will be conducted remotely.

7

 CAMPUS OPERATIONAL
NORMS FOR FALL 2020
The following normative behaviors, actions, and strategies have been established to apply across the UNA
community. We ask that all students, employees, and visitors abide by these operational norms.

Physical Distancing
Based on CDC guidelines, the definition of Physical Distancing regarding COVID-19 is a minimum physical
distance of six feet in all directions. If you cannot maintain six feet physical distance, you are required to
wear a cloth face covering over the nose and mouth.

Cloth Face Coverings
Appropriate cloth face coverings should cover both the nose and mouth. CDC guidelines about cloth face
coverings can be found here. Cloth face coverings are required:
•  At all times when in public areas or shared spaces within buildings, including hallways and classrooms,
where physical distancing of six feet cannot be maintained;
•  Outdoors, when near others, and when physical distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained (e.g.
course transition times);
•  In classrooms, when physical distancing of at least six feet is not maintainable, faculty and students are
required to wear cloth face coverings or masks, reasonable accommodations will be made for those who
are unable to meet this requirement; and
•  By employees when physical distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained. Reasonable
accommodations will be made for those who are unable to meet this requirement.
There are situations when a cloth face covering is not required or does not have to be worn because of the
type of activity or factors related to the environment. Examples include:
•  While eating or drinking;
•  While in your in your room/apartment with assigned roommates;
•  Performing physical exertion, such as manual labor, running, and athletics training;
•  Outdoors with more than six feet continuous separation between all people; and
•  Other physical limitations or conditions that preclude an individual from wearing a cloth face covering.

Health checks
•  All employees are required to undergo daily self-temperature checks at home before work and the
COVID-19 Self-Screening Assessment
•  Before students return to campus,
1.  All residential students will start the COVID-19 Self-Screening Assessment two weeks before
  their move-in. This will need to be completed daily.
2.  All commuter students will start the start COVID-19 Self-Screening Assessment two weeks before
  physical arrival on campus. This will need to be completed daily.
3.  All international students start the COVID-19 Self-Screening Assessment two weeks before
  move-in and communicate with the Office of International Affairs (OIA). OIA will then
  communicate with Health Services. This will need to be completed daily.
•  All students are required to take the COVID-19 Self-Screening Assessment and undergo daily selftemperature checks each morning before coming to campus or going to class.
8

 CAMPUS OPERATIONAL
NORMS FOR FALL 2020 (cont.)
Reconfiguration of areas on campus to limit capacity
and maintain physical distancing
In all areas across University properties, and for University-led activities conducted off campus, provisions
shall be made to limit the number of persons in a given area to comply with the six-feet physical distancing
requirement. The following provides guidance on some common situations but should not be viewed as allinclusive:
•  Relocate or isolate chairs, benches, couches, or other seating, both inside buildings, outdoors, and in
vehicles transporting students, to limit available seats;
•  Temporarily close potential gathering spaces, excluding entrance lobbies or other building access points,
to discourage people from congregating. If the area is part of the travel path to an exit, approval must be
obtained from Facilities before installation of any barriers;
•  Reconfigure classrooms, laboratories, and other teaching/learning spaces to promote physical distancing;
and
•  Reduce occupancy of dining, retail, and event spaces to correspond to state guidelines.

Buses
•  Buses will resume routes as planned.
•  Occupancy will be reduced.
•  Buses will be cleaned routinely during use while making sure passengers are appropriately distanced.

Dining Services
•  All food stations in Mane Market will be served by dining services staff verses self-service options.
•  All seating areas will be minimized to promote physical distancing and maximize use of space. The
number of guests at each location will be limited to meet ADPH, CDC, and federal/ state guidelines.
•  Plexiglass and sneeze guards will be placed where needed.
•  Sanitizing and disinfecting of high touch areas will occur continuously throughout operating hours.
•  Mane Market will continue to support to-go orders.
•  For residential students under self-isolation, dining services will work with housing staff to deliver meals.
•  Pre-packaged boxes or bags will be provided at events for each attendee. Avoid sharing food and utensils.
•  Use disposable food service items (e.g., utensils, dishes). If disposable items are not feasible or desirable,
ensure that all non-disposable food service items are handled with gloves and washed with dish soap and
hot water or in a dishwasher. Individuals should wash their hands after removing their gloves or after
directly handling used food service items.

Doorways
•  If a classroom or office has two doors, consider one door as an entrance and one door as an exit.
•  For high-traffic areas, consider leaving doors open.
•  Request signage templates from University Print Shop.
9

 CAMPUS OPERATIONAL
NORMS FOR FALL 2020 (cont.)
Hallways
UNA community members are asked to walk to the right of the hallways to maintain one direction flow
of traffic.
Students are encouraged to wait outside or in vehicles until close to class time to prevent hallway congestion
in between classes. If students must wait in hallways and cannot maintain six feet physical distancing, face
cloth coverings are required.
For Departments that oversee buildings:
•  Designate pathways in hallways for people to walk certain directions. Require that all individuals walk to
the right of hallway to keep one directional path in hallways on either side of hallway.
•  Identify entrances and exits to building to potentially create paths for students and employees to follow.

Elevators
UNA community members are asked to follow these guidelines:
•  Try to limit elevator usage unless necessary.
•  Try to limit elevator use to one person at a time.
•  Face cloth coverings must be worn when two or more people are in an elevator.
•  Be aware that elevator buttons are high use surfaces. Sanitizing wipes will be placed outside elevator
doors for individuals to use before pushing buttons.
•  Signage should not be put directly on elevator doors, but either side of the opening to prevent damage.

Stairways
For Departments that oversee buildings:
•  Consider making stairways one directional to minimize traffic, except during an emergency, and ensure
directions are indicated on the walls or floors.
•  Post directional signage and signage for six-feet spacing for common areas and classrooms to assist with
this process.
•  Request signage templates from University Print Shop.

Meetings, gatherings, and events
Recommend hybridization or cancellation of fall 2020 events and gatherings that cannot meet the
recommended physical distancing and/or health guidelines outlined in this COVID-19 Recovery Guidance
Plan.
•  Prioritized criteria will be used for consideration in planning meetings, gatherings, and events:
a.  Student consideration of needs for services
b.  Internal services and events
c.  External services and events
10

 CAMPUS OPERATIONAL
NORMS FOR FALL 2020 (cont.)
•  All meetings should be virtual, if possible.
•  No events or gatherings should occur that do not meet ADPH and CDC guidelines.
•  Considerations for events, should they need to take place:
a.  A sanitizing process for the facility must occur in between events.
b.  Implement a sign-up process for the event to plan population.
c.  Sanitizer will be available to participants at all times.
d.  Possible use of temporal thermometers for events.
•  Consider 50 percent or less occupancy space to ensure six-feet physical distancing; when physical
distancing is not possible, a cloth face covering is required.
•  The University will monitor conditions and announce a plan for Winter Commencement by October
31, 2020.

Signage
Departments and Offices may obtain signage and marketing material templates through University Print
Shop. Signage includes:
•  Healthy hygiene and hand washing marketing materials.
•  Directional signage for hallways and stairwells.
•  Signage for elevators to indicate coverings must be worn when two or more people are in an elevator.
•  Marketing materials around six-feet physical distancing and encourage cloth face coverings.
•  “Leo” and “Una” mascot signs that mark off seats, desks, and spaces that are not to be used.
•  One-way entrance and exit signage.
•  Signage for offices and spaces where six-feet of physical distancing cannot be maintained to warn people
entering. (e.g. – STOP – call 256-765-xxxx before entering. A cloth face covering is required to enter
this space.)

Travel
• 
• 
• 
• 

Suspend all non-essential travel.
Essential travel may be approved through the appropriate Vice Presidents and/or designee.
University-sponsored student travel should not be allowed.
This travel limitation will apply to fall 2020 semester. Travel for spring 2021 will be decided by
October 31, 2020.

Cleaning and disinfection by area type
Operational requirements dictate minimum prescribed measures for cleaning and disinfecting areas to reduce
the potential for spreading COVID-19. The following provides the recommended actions for common
categories of spaces:
•  Private offices and other individually assigned workspaces. Environmental Service Specialists will
remove waste and vacuum floors on 2nd or 3rd shifts. Employees are asked to assist with cleaning and
disinfection of private offices and individually assigned workspaces. Cleaning and disinfecting supplies
11

 CAMPUS OPERATIONAL
NORMS FOR FALL 2020 (cont.)

• 

• 
• 
• 

may be requested and will be provided to departments through Facilities Administration and Planning
to aid in completing basic cleaning and disinfection of surfaces. It is recommended to use only the
disinfectants supplied by Facilities to ensure the proper dilution; however, common household cleaners
that will be allowed are:
a.  Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
b.  Lysol Disinfecting Wipes
c.  Clorox Multi-Surface Spray
Public operational spaces. In all buildings serviced by the Department of Facilities Administration and
Planning, Environmental Service Specialists will focus on frequent cleaning and disinfecting of common
areas and limit the frequency of office cleaning to once per week on 2nd or 3rd shifts for the purpose
of removing waste and vacuuming floors. Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces will be according to CDC
recommended guidelines.
Residence halls. Housing and Residence Life will develop and communicate an operational plan for the
cleaning and disinfection of all common areas of University housing.
Retail operations. Retail operations, such as the UNA Bookstore and Dining Services, will develop a
plan to assure cleaning and disinfection of equipment, supplies, and if applicable, merchandise. These
plans must be in place before the resumption of public access to retail operations.
Other areas not specified. Operational areas not specified in this document that have regular occupancy
will follow the guidance for Public Operational Spaces. Specific questions or concerns about cleaning
and disinfection procedures and practices should be directed to the Department of Environmental
Health and Safety.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols
•  Follow guidelines recommended by the CDC Guidelines for Cleaning and Disinfecting for proper use of
materials and safety precautions.
•  Cleaning materials used should be a product that is listed on the EPA’s List N that is approved to kill
SARS-coV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Manufacturers’ recommendations should be followed
closely for dwell time and safety precautions taken.
•  It is recommended to use only the disinfectants supplied by Facilities to ensure the proper dilution;
however, common household cleaners that will be allowed are:
a.  Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
b.  Lysol Disinfecting Wipes
c.  Clorox Multi-Surface Spray
•  Communicate with the Department of Environmental Health and Safety for approval to use any cleaner
or disinfectant not listed above.
•  Ensure hand sanitizer is placed in accessible locations.
•  Promote frequent hand-washing.

Contracted Services
All current and planned contracted services (outside companies) will be required to submit their plan to
adhere to CDC recommended guidelines and OSHA Covid-19 Guidance for the Construction Workforce.
12

 ACADEMICS AND
COURSE DELIVERY
Strategies for Returning to In-Person Instruction
Transitioning large classes, or classes with capacity of
more than 40 students
Academic Affairs has identified 84 in-person courses with a capacity of 40 or more students per section
for fall 2020 by college/department. The CRTF recommends that Deans/Department Chairs work with
faculty teaching those courses to:
•  Determine feasibility of transitioning to remote instruction if physical distancing is not possible.
•  If a course cannot be transitioned to remote modality, faculty in consultation with department chairs,
consider alternative modes of instruction.
•  If neither #1 nor #2 are feasible, chairs and deans work with Academic Affairs to explore possible
relocation to spaces not traditionally reserved for academic use.

Timeline

June 30: Deans/Department Chairs work with faculty to complete hybridization plans and communicate
with Academic Affairs for coordination with Student Affairs/ETS/IT/Facilities regarding specific needs.
July 15: Registrar’s Office notify students of any changes to modality, meeting time, location, etc. since
registration.

Transitioning classes of fewer than 40 students
Many classes with a capacity of fewer than 40 students may still take place in classrooms where physical
distancing is not feasible. The committee recommends Deans and Department Chairs work with faculty
and coordinate a plan from each instructor to make adjustments to their classes to maximize physical
distancing. These options may include:
Option 1: Moving the course to a larger space, including locations not traditionally reserved for
academic use.
Option 2: Reducing the number of students attending class at each scheduled class meeting time by:
a.  Dividing class into groups and utilizing Zoom or similar technology to deliver instruction,
  alternating which group receives in-person instruction;
b.  Providing live-stream access to face-to-face delivery to provide a synchronous experience for
  students engaging remotely (see Hy-Flex model);
c.  Recording synchronous course sessions and allowing asynchronous participation via Canvas; and
d.  Employing other methods as deemed appropriate to maximize opportunities for engagement of
  all students.

13

 ACADEMICS AND COURSE
DELIVERY (cont.)
Physical distancing in the classroom
•  In addition to the expectation of cloth face coverings in the classrooms as outlined in Fall 2020
Campus Operational Norms, seating arrangements should, when possible, spread students
throughout the classroom by either (1) leaving empty desks between students, (2) physically moving
desks farther apart, or (3) reducing the number of students seated at a single table.
•  Maintain physical distancing protocols of a minimum of six-feet and reduce room occupancy in the
classroom or physical location of meeting space at any time.
•  If the classroom is not conducive to employing this strategy, faculty, in consultation with
Department Chairs, should consider hybridization or relocation tactics as outlined above.

End in-person instruction and move to online/remote learning
•  Friday, November 20 – Last day for in-person instruction.
•  Wednesday, November 25 through Sunday, November 29 – Thanksgiving Break observed.
•  Monday, November 30 – Course instruction and assessment shift to online/remote delivery for the
remainder of fall 2020 semester.

Virtual office hours
Because faculty offices are often smaller spaces with limited circulation or opportunities for physical
distancing with guests, faculty may have virtual office hours and employ other strategies for in-person
meetings that promote physical distancing.
Signage may be requested through University Print Shop for offices and spaces where six-feet of
physical distancing cannot be maintained to warn people entering. (e.g. – STOP – call 256-765-xxxx
before entering. A cloth face covering is required to enter this space.)

Classroom
Environmental Services Specialists will continue the routine cleaning and disinfecting of academic
classrooms.
Additionally, cleaning materials will be provided in the classrooms and available for their use. Each faculty
and student should wipe down his or her own spaces upon arriving and before exiting the classes, and make
sure the materials are discarded in the trash cans.
Consider keeping classroom doors open at all times as door handles are high-traffic objects leading to
possible microbe transmission.
If a classroom or lab has sufficient space or designated storage areas, consider having items and objects that
are not required for class stored in an area where they cannot contribute to the transmission of microbes.
Consider removing absorbent surfaces from the classroom to allow for easy disinfection of surfaces.

Computer labs
When evaluating computer lab spacing, IT should be included in the discussion.
14

 ACADEMICS AND COURSE
DELIVERY (cont.)
Guidelines and instructions to consider including in your syllabi
1.  Please follow physical distancing guidelines, and remain at least six-feet from others as much as possible
while in the classroom. Cloth face coverings are required and must be worn during class to minimize virus
transmission.
2.  It is recommended that there be no eating at any time to avoid all finger/hand-to-mouth contact, unless
approved in advance by the instructor (e.g. a diabetic student might require food items).
3.  Wash or sanitize hands before campus activities. Students and instructors will wipe down their immediate
areas with cleaning wipes before class and after you leave for the day. After campus activities, be sure
to wash or sanitize your hands. You may wash or sanitize your hands at any time during the class if you
think you may have contaminated them, and you may wipe any surfaces or equipment with cleaning
wipes immediately if you suspect contamination (e.g. if you cough into your hands and touch a surface or
experience an uncovered sneeze).
4.  To prevent contamination of personal belongings, such as books, coats, backpacks, etc., please place them
in a designated area, if available.
5.  Because of the transmissible nature of microbes, cell phones should remain in your pocket or
backpack. Laptops and tablets should be considered contaminated after use in class and disinfected
afterward.
6.  Any objects or papers on the floor at the end of the class period are to be picked up and discarded in the
wastebasket.
7.  Follow all directions given by the instructor. Bring any safety concerns to the attention of the instructor
immediately.

The information provided above was compiled from the COVID-19 Faculty Survey.

Additional Academic Considerations
In addition to the strategies listed above, faculty with an underlying health condition or who are otherwise
members of populations that may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19 may request an
accommodation by contacting their department head or UNA Human Resources.
Each area of the University needs to develop plans on how to transition face-to-face classes to remote format
should COVID-19 cases rapidly increase in the community. Faculty are advised to develop online/remote
learning contingency plans that could be implemented should one the following scenarios arise:
•  Federal or state guidelines/recommendations shift downward the maximum size of gatherings or academic
activities;
•  An outbreak on campus necessitates a temporary break or a mid-semester shift;
•  Individual courses experience a significant number of cases, and, upon the recommendations of ADPH and
CDC, faculty are asked to transition some courses to remote delivery;
•  Faculty become ill and are unable to complete the course;
•  Department Chairs work with faculty to utilize virtual office hours and other strategies for in-person
meetings to promote physical distancing; and
•  Deans/Department Chairs may give faculty a choice of teaching style and work with those faculty who have
underlying health conditions or may otherwise be vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19.
15

 STUDENT EXPERIENCE
AND ENGAGEMENT
UNA is committed to creating a variety of out-of-classroom experiences
where students can make meaningful connections with peers, develop
leadership skills, and become engaged as active citizens. This is
accomplished by delivering quality, effective student services while
providing them the best support to achieve personal and academic success.

General operating procedures
for programmatic initiatives
•  All events or gatherings must meet the ADPH and CDC guidelines,
along with this Guidance Plan. Participants will adhere to physical
distancing, sanitizing, hygiene, and self-screening. Events that cannot
meet the guidelines should be hybridized or canceled.
•  In-person programming will be restricted to the number of individuals
advisable by the ADPH and CDC, which may change during the
semester.
•  Key programs may need to be repeated to accommodate student and
stakeholder demand.
•  In the event of a program with a speaker or artist, employees will
consider broadcasting online, if possible, and/or the use of overflow
room locations to ensure the physical distancing protocol.
•  University staff will limit room reservations of on-campus spaces to
reduce density. Students reserving space will work with employees
to create and execute a plan to disinfect buildings and programming
spaces after each student event. Consider 50 percent or less occupancy
space to ensure six-feet physical distancing, and if physical distancing
is not possible, a cloth face covering is required.
•  All meetings should be virtual, if possible.
•  In-person attendance at all student events (including student
organizations, clubs, fraternity and sorority events, etc.) will be
limited. Events should be individually evaluated to determine if it can
be offered virtually or through a combination of in-person and virtual
modalities. Fall 2020 Campus Operational Norms (pages 8-12 of this
guide) should be applied to the activities of all registered student
organizations regardless of the event/activity location.
•  Considerations for events, should they need to take place:
a.  A sanitizing process for the facility must occur in between events.
b.  Implement a sign-up process for the event to plan population.
c.  Sanitizer will be available to participants at all times.
d.  Possible use of temporal thermometers for events.
e.  Marketing of the event should include the requirement of a  
  cloth face covering.
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 STUDENT EXPERIENCE
AND ENGAGEMENT (cont.)
•  Cloth face coverings are required when six-feet physical
distancing is not maintainable.
•  Students are encouraged to adopt the University Values
Statement outlined in the Student Handbook when
engaging with others in public campus spaces.

Housing Considerations
•  Residence halls are projected to open at full capacity with
two residents/room. Contingency plans may reduce housing
occupancy in traditional halls to one person per room.
•  Residents will complete a roommate agreement in which
they are able to share concerns and agree upon conditions
related to COVID-19; they will be considered as members
of the same household.
•  Visitation will be limited in university housing to residential
students only to mitigate potential exposure.
•  Outside vendors and contractors must follow university
safety guidelines within university housing.
•  All residential students will start the COVID-19 SelfScreening Assessment two weeks before their move-in date.
•  Housing and Residence Life will stagger the move-in process
to reduce congestion in university housing and promote
physical distancing. HRL staff will determine and distribute
the check-in process, utilization of volunteers, and logistical
operations. Other move-in procedures will be determined in
conjunction with University Health Services.
•  Residents will arrive within a pre-scheduled timeframe which
allows the university to implement physical distancing
guidelines and safety methods, such as temperature checks
and the monitoring of individuals who fall into high-risk
categories.
•  Students will be isolated or quarantined based on the
recommendations of the ADPH, CDC, and University
Health Services.
•  Should a residential student be in self-isolation, Dining
Services will work with Housing and Residence Life to
deliver meals to the student.
•  Additional guidance and information pertaining to the fall
2020 semester will be distributed by Housing and Residence
Life.

17

 ATHLETICS
The University of North Alabama strives to provide a safe environment for student
athletes, coaches, staff, and administrators. During the extended break because of the
COVID-19 outbreak, the University of North Alabama, in agreement with best practices,
has implemented this guide for the Athletic Department to keep students and staff safe upon
their return to campus.

18

 CONCLUSION
The CRTF was appointed by the President in the spring of 2020
to evaluate actions needed to resume campus operations, provide
advice on necessary action steps and ensure that campus officials
and shared governance leaders are informed of key findings and
recommendations. This document shall serve as a guide for the
University of North Alabama campus to maintain the health and
safety of students, faculty, staff, and the community.

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